2020 Audi A3
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2020 Audi A3 has 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 47. The most common issue is air bags problems (47% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2020 audi a3. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v198000 (air bags) however, the part to the recall repair was unavailable. the contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. the contact stated that the. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.
19
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.4x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
9 complaints- • The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the
- • Airbags have had a recall since March 2021.
- • Nothing has happened (Yet), but Audi has still not come up with a fix for this problem since March 2021. This is real safety concern for front passengers in the 2020 Audi A3 autos.
“The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (3)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Audi A3
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Audi A3
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Audi A3 Service Intervals
Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2020 A3, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 19 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: Supposedly the recall parts for the PODS system can’t be replaced because AUDI is not manufacturing the necessary part!! There is no schedule or estimated time for when the parts will become available. Now I am afraid to drive my car knowing my passenger is not safe! This requires immediate attentio
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunction warning light was displayed, and the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission mechatronics had failed and nee
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently come to a complete stop as the brake, air bag, and seat belt warning lights would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that while her husband was driving the v
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Audi A3 — Year Comparison
How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 2
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 47
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2020 Audi A3